Cruelty To Animals

Tennessee SB2133 makes it a Class E felony to starve livestock animals to death in a cruel and sadistic manner. This law aims to strengthen protections for livestock by specifically addressing starvation as a form of animal cruelty. It applies when the act is done without any justifiable reason.

TN SB2133 is a senate bill in the Tennessee 114th General Assembly, sponsored by Ferrell Haile (R), currently “Passed” since May 18, 2026.

We track 9,160 Tennessee bills this session, 129 of them sponsored by Ferrell Haile.

Supporters of SB2133 would emphasize that this law enhances animal welfare protections in Tennessee, reflecting a commitment to humane treatment of livestock. By specifically criminalizing starvation, the bill aims to prevent unnecessary suffering and promote responsible animal husbandry practices.

Critics of SB2133 might argue that the bill could lead to overly harsh penalties for farmers and ranchers who may unintentionally fail to provide adequate care for their livestock. They may also contend that the law could be difficult to enforce and could create fear among livestock owners regarding their management practices.

The bill SB2133 addresses cruelty to livestock animals by adding starvation resulting in death as a form of aggravated cruelty. The sponsor, Ferrell Haile, has various personal financial interests, including being a pharmacist and owning a drug store, but none of these interests directly relate to the livestock industry or the specific provisions of this bill. His involvement with HAILE FARMS and other agricultural entities does not indicate a conflict since the bill does not impose regulations that would affect his financial interests in a direct manner. Therefore, there is no evidence to suggest that this legislation would provide him with any personal financial gain or benefit.

Unlike federal analysis based on campaign donations, state analysis examines legislators' personal financial interests — their jobs, businesses, and investments.

Items marked "AI-researched" are generated from public sources but have not been independently verified. Verified data is sourced from official legislature websites and disclosure filings.